Garo Hills Flood: Two dies in landslide incident at EGH, death toll rises to 15

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 6, 2024

The death toll has gone up to 15 due to ongoing flood and landslides in the Garo Hills region of the state. 

Two persons were killed in a landslide incident at Gongdop, Rongjeng block in East Garo Hills on Sunday, officials said. 

They have been identified as Manasse Marak (14) and Amy Mara (40), they said.

On Saturday, one Tengseng R Marak (28) died when a tree fell on him at Thibapara, Dalu.

On October 4, five persons were killed in West Garo Hills due to landslides and flood. While Santa N Marak (57), Miardo P Marak (5) and Sarika M Marak (18) died in landslide incidents at Koinabui, Sorokpara and Kharongngre areas, Bijoy S Sangma (43) and Wian Chigado R Marak (13) were killed in the flood at Rongkong Songgital area. 

In the same day, seven persons of the same families were also killed in a landslide incident at Atisia Songmong in South Garo Hills. 

They have been identified as Silji R Marak (mother – 60 yrs), Merina R Marak (daughter – 39 yrs), Sama N Sangma (son-in-law 50 yrs), Chengbe R Marak (grand-daughter – 22 yrs), Deshrang R Marak (grandson – 14 yrs), Silbera R Marak (grand-daughter – 5 yrs) and Dimse R Marak (great grand-daughter – 1.5 yrs). 

On Saturday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma chaired a review meeting to take stock of the ongoing flood situation in Garo Hills region.

The Chief Minister has directed the administration to release the ex-gratia to the next of kins of the three civilians, who have lost their lives in Dalu.

Sangma has also directed the administration to seek for any assistance from the Government and ensure that the relief is carried out in the affected areas. 

Road communications from Dalu to Baghmara and other places have been disrupted due to multiple landslides. 

Accordingly, the Chief Minister had directed the administration to identify alternative routes to restore road communication in Dalu – Baghmara area. 

Sangma had also directed that the wooden bridges that have been washed away and damaged should be rebuilt. He had recommended Bailey bridge technology for the construction. (It is a modular, prefab, truss bridge design that allows quick assembly and easy transportation)

Further, the Chief Minister informed in the meeting that all wooden bridges has been identified in the state and will be replaced with new constructions.  

Official have informed that electricity will be restored in most parts of the region by yesterday. 

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister had directed that all effort should be made to ease public life and ensure adequate relief operation. 

He had also asked administration to be on high alert with officials to continuously monitor the situation.